Snap's Smart Glasses "Specs": A New Generation and Snap OS 2.0 Updates

Snap is preparing to launch a new generation of its smart glasses called "Specs" in 2026. This step comes after years of developing smart glasses with screens integrated into the lenses, aiming to enhance competitiveness in the smart glasses market, especially with competitors like Meta Ray-Bans. As part of this development, Snap launched a major update to its glasses' operating system, known as "Snap OS 2.0". This system, currently available only to developers, offers a set of new features that improve the Augmented Reality (AR) experience and make browsing, consuming, and sharing content easier and more flexible.

Spectacles Browser Updates and WebXR Features

The "Spectacles Browser" has undergone a radical update, now featuring a simplified design, super-fast loading speeds, and optimized power consumption, providing a seamless browsing experience. The browser also includes a new home screen with widgets and bookmarks, an updated toolbar that allows users to type or speak web addresses, and a new option to resize the window to fit any aspect ratio, similar to laptops. The new system also supports WebXR technology, allowing users to access augmented reality experiences from any website that supports this technology. (Source: MDN Web Docs, 2023).(Source: W3C, 2025)(Source: Wikipedia, 2025)(Source: Immersive Web, 2022)(Source: Google Developers, undated)

What is WebXR?

WebXR is an Application Programming Interface (API) that enables Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) experiences directly through web browsers. It aims to provide a unified foundation for developing these immersive experiences on the web, superseding the experimental WebVR interface that only supported virtual reality. WebXR allows developers to create interactive 3D content accessible from a variety of devices, from mobile phones and tablets to advanced VR headsets and AR glasses. It does not specify how the browser displays VR or AR, but rather provides the basic functionalities needed to access mixed reality devices, such as head tracking and processing input from controllers. (Source: MDN Web Docs, 2023).(Source: W3C, 2025)(Source: Wikipedia, 2025)(Source: Immersive Web, 2022)(Source: Google Developers, undated)

New Lenses: Spotlight and Gallery

Among the new features is the "Spotlight Lens", which allows users to view their favorite content, including vertical videos and comments, directly on the glasses' lenses. Users can pin content in one place or have it follow them as they move, depending on the activity they are doing. To simplify content sharing, Snap unveiled the new "Gallery Lens", which facilitates replaying content captured by Spectacles. Users can play it in a new interactive design that allows scrolling through a curved circular view, zooming in on images for more details, and uploading them directly to their Snapchat Story. "Travel Mode" also allows users to enjoy their experiences wherever they are, even on the go.

via GIPHY

Developer Support and Augmented Reality Experiences

Hundreds of developers are currently working on creating their own lenses for Spectacles, such as "Finger Paint" and "Chess" games, and "Imagine Together".

The Importance of the Operating System and Competition in the Smart Glasses Market

The underlying operating system for smart glasses is as important as the devices themselves, as it ensures users get the most out of their experience. Previous generations of Spectacles, such as the fifth generation released in 2024, were relatively heavy, which affected user experience. The new lightweight form factor of "Specs" is expected to help boost its competitiveness in the growing Artificial Intelligence and smart glasses market, including Meta Ray-Ban glasses which have garnered significant consumer attention. To achieve the best competition, glasses must offer competitive experiences, which is why "Snap OS 2.0" updates are so important.

Future of Competition: Meta Smart Glasses

In the context of competition, Meta is set to launch its new smart glasses soon, with rumors even suggesting a collaboration with Prada, and perhaps even smart glasses with in-lens displays, a concept the company has not yet explored in its AI-powered smart glasses.